Switzerland is a small country that sits smack dab in the middle of the Alps, making for 360-degree scenery wherever a person finds themselves
Numerous lakes also add to the picture postcard look of this country, whose most famous citizen may have been the fictional Heidi
From banks to bucolic alpine meadows, Switzerland has it all. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Switzerland
Number 10. Interlaken Interlaken used to be known as a watchmaking center, but today it's more popular as a tourist resort
Tourists started coming to Interlaken in the early 1800s to breathe in the mountain air and partake of spa treatments
Its popularity only grew from there, offering spectacular views of three famous Swiss mountains
the Eiger, the Jungfrau, and the Munch. The city is also a popular base camp for outdoor activities in the surrounding Bernese Oberland Alps
Hungry tourists may want to try raclette, a classic Swiss dish made from cheese
Athletes with Olympic aspirations may enjoy a visit to Lausanne, a scenic city that is the second largest on Lake Geneva as it is home to the International Olympic Committee
Lausanne also is the gateway to some of the world's best ski slopes. A part of the Swiss Riviera, Lausanne has been popular with riders over the centuries, including Lord Byron, the Shelleys, and Ernest Hemingway
Located in the French-speaking sector of Switzerland, Lausanne boasts an impressive cathedral and wonderful outdoor markets
Thank you
It a great place to be here It a great place to be here Number 8 Geneva Geneva is a city where international influences reign supreme It is home to the International Red Cross Committee and the European Headquarters of the United Nations
as well as 20 other international organizations. Environmental travelers will enjoy the fact that
Geneva is a green city, with 20% of its land devoted to parks, earning it the nickname of
city of parks. Top sites include the Cathedral of St. Pierre where John Calvin gave famous sermons
and the United Nations headquarters. Geneva also is a good city to explore by bike
or rest weary feet by taking a boat ride on Lake Geneva
Number 7. Zurich
Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, will appeal to travelers with an interesting culture since
It boasts more than 50 museums and over 100 art galleries. When visitors get tired of shopping for internationally famous Swiss brand-name goods
they could take a boat ride on Lake Zurich or go hiking in the nearby mountains
The city also boasts an impressive number of clubs for travelers who enjoy going out at night
Not to be missed is the Swiss National Museum, located in a fairytale castle
It is dedicated to Switzerland's cultural history. Thank you
Number 6. Zermatt Zermatt is a small town that is famous for skiing and mountaineering due to its proximity
to the Matterhorn, one of Switzerland's highest mountains. Capal cars whisk skiers up surrounding mountains in the winter and hikers in the summer
Zermatt is a good town for walking to various sites since gasoline-driven vehicles are not permitted
Any vehicles within the city limits must be battery-operated. Fortunately, for visitors, it takes 30 minutes or less to walk between sites
The town is accessible via scenic train routes that connect it with the outside world
Number 5. Jungfrau Region The Jungfrau Region is one of the most scenic places to visit in Switzerland, both in summer and winter
A century or two ago, this Alps region was only visited by hardcore adventurers who wanted to ski or climb through the mountains
Now, thanks to an extensive network of railways and well-maintained foot and bike paths
the area is accessible to many types of travelers. The Jungfrau region consists of four picturesque towns
Grindelwald, Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen, and three imposing mountains, Eiger, Munch, and Jungfrau
Number 4. Lugano
Lugano has been nicknamed the Monte Carlo of Switzerland because of its growing popularity
with celebrities. The city is located on Lake Lugano in the Italian-speaking section of this alpine country
Lugano, which is blessed with warm summers, dates back to the 9th century
The city is home to a large number of Swiss heritage sites, including three cathedrals and several museums
Home to numerous financial institutions, the city also hosts an annual classic music festival, the Lugano Festival in the summer
Number 3. Lake Geneva
One of the largest lakes in Europe, Lake Geneva lies on the course of the Rhone River on the frontier between France and Switzerland
Aside from the city Geneva, most destinations in the Lake Geneva region are in either the Swiss canton of Vaud or the French department of Haute-Savoy
The geography is varied, with the Jura Mountains in the north, a hilly plain in the center, and in the southwest, the Alps
The main attractions here are the elegant cities and towns surrounding the lake the opportunities for skiing and hiking in both mountain ranges and of course the lake itself
Number 2. Lucerne. Lucerne, located in the German-speaking section of Switzerland
is a city that has it all. City life, a lake, and mountains. Considered one of the world's
prettiest cities, Lucerne is most famous for its 14th century chapel bridge and water tower
which is said to be the most photographed monument in Switzerland. Another famous monument
is the Dying Lion, which was carved out of rock to honor Swiss mercenaries who died in France in 1792
Hungry visitors may want to try Luzerne Chuguel Pastette, a local specialty made from puff pastry, veal, and mushrooms doused in cream sauce
Number 1. Bern
Bern is a picturesque medieval city with a history that dates back to the 12th century
though it did not become a part of the Swiss Confederacy until the 16th century
Its most famous attraction is an ancient clock tower with moving puppets
that once served as the western gate of the city. Other popular sites in Bern include the Munster
a Gothic cathedral that rises from the Old Town and its town hall
The bear is the symbol of Bern, with several being kept in an open-air pit
Shoppers will appreciate the Old Town that boasts four miles of arcades
making it one of the longest covered shopping areas in Europe